mineral
Rhodochrosite with Quartz
Manganese Carbonate (MnCO3) with Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 3.5-4 (Rhodochrosite) / 7 (Quartz); Color: Pink to rose-red with white bands; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral.
- Color
- Pink to rose-red with white bands
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
Identified More mineral →
Explore Rhodochrosite with Quartz in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness 3.5-4 (Rhodochrosite) / 7 (Quartz); Color: Pink to rose-red with white bands; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral.
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins along with other manganese minerals, often in low-temperature ore deposits or as a secondary mineral in sedimentary deposits.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as an ore of manganese, a gemstone for jewelry, and as a popular mineral specimen for collectors.
Geological facts
Also known as 'Rosa del Inca' or 'Inca Rose,' rhodochrosite is the national gemstone of Argentina. Its distinctive pink color comes from the presence of manganese.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified by its characteristic pink 'raspberry' color and white banding. It reacts slightly to warm hydrochloric acid. Found in Argentina, Colorado (USA), Peru, and South Africa.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Calcite–fluorite mineral specimen with iron-oxide staining
Calcite (CaCO₃), likely fluorite (CaF₂), with possible quartz and iron/manganese oxides
mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous